HF2186

HF2186 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Light rail or passenger rail project proceed use from the general fund transportation sales and use tax prohibited.

Related bill: SF1214

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 473.4465, to prohibit the use of revenue from the regional transportation sales and use tax for light rail or passenger rail projects. Specifically, it restricts the Metropolitan Council from using these funds for the Southwest Light Rail Transit (Green Line Extension) or any passenger rail projects.

The bill ensures that sales tax revenue is allocated primarily to bus transit operations, including regular bus service improvements, transit safety, bus accessibility improvements, transit shelter replacements, expansion and maintenance of bus rapid transit lines, zero-emission bus procurement, and demand response microtransit services. Additionally, it provides financial assistance to local governments and nonprofit organizations for active transportation initiatives and includes wage adjustments for Metro Transit hourly operations employees.

The prohibition on funding light rail and passenger rail projects remains in effect until the expiration of the Metropolitan Governance Task Force, as established under previous legislation.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Transportation Finance and Policy
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Transportation Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies revenue usage for specific transit project categories, including zero-emission buses and improvements to transit safety."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section of the bill modifies the allocation and use of sales tax revenue by the Metropolitan Council under section 473.4465.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts percentage allocation for active transportation versus transit system purposes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.4465",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill updates prohibitions on sales tax revenue usage for certain transit projects under section 473.4465.",
      "modified": [
        "Extends the existing prohibition of using funds for the Southwest light rail and other specified passenger rail projects."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.4465",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces reference to additional transit officials."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section clarifies definitions and roles related to transit safety improvements.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.4075",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section involves transit shelter replacement and improvements.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.41",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Refers to conformance with zero-emission bus procurement plans."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references the transition plan for zero-emission and electric transit vehicles.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.3927",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes assistance for replacement service providers related to demand response microtransit service."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill provides for financial assistance adjustments for certain transit services.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.388",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]